What makes a great teacher?

A good teacher must have the knowledge and the expertise to teach others – students can’t simply learn from someone who does not understand the subject or is unprepared to fulfill the task.

The professor must also be able to communicate clearly his or her knowledge. Both public speaking and organization skills are indispensable, so students can comprehend, absorb and use efficiently what is being taught.

However, the most important asset of a great teacher is the passion they have for their work, because passion gushes and has the power to inspire.

Teachers might count with the attributes and the requirements to be fully competent for the job, but what makes the difference is the ability to generate positive change in the students’ lives – affect how they analyze, work and solve problems – which is possible when there is passion.

What made our favorite teachers different? Simply explaining the subject and passing Power Points slides one after another was not good enough for them. They established relationships of trust and empathy with us, their students. They taught useful skills applicable in any time or context. They went beyond their limits and motivated us to reach and surpass our own potential. They made us understand that we can always be better. And in this process they understood that teaching and learning are two things that can be done at the same time.

According to William A. Ward’s sage words:

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”

[…] While good teachers must be well-prepared and know how to communicate with their audience, an outstanding professor are the ones who show passion for their work and inspire others while they do it. So, be authentic, […]